Men's Tennis

Men's Tennis Adds Two More Signees To Recruiting Class

Jul 18, 2006

July 18, 2006

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -
Santa Clara University men's tennis announced that it has signed its final two recruits for the 2006-07 season. Robert Gallman, a transfer from Texas Christian University, and Joe Galbraith, an incoming freshman from Tacoma, Wash., are the final two signees, joining Steven Benvenuto and Jay Wong, who signed previously with the Broncos.

Gallman arrives on the Mission Campus as a redshirt junior after three seasons of playing singles and doubles with the Horned Frogs of TCU. As a freshman, Gallman posted an 8-8 record in singles, including 3-1 record in dual matches, while putting together a 4-6 doubles record. He rotated between number five and number six singles that year. He followed up an injury-plagued sophomore season by playing four matches in the fall season of his junior year for the Horned Frogs before deciding to transfer. As a prep player, Gallman was one of the top ranked players in Texas, earning the number one ranking in Boys 18s and 16s. He was also ranked in the top-30 nationally in those age groups. A native of Dallas, Texas, he helped St. Stephen's Episcopal School win the SPC championship as a freshman before transferring to Pendleton High School in Bradenton, Fla. for his final three years. In the classroom, Gallman has been named an ITA Scholar Athlete three times and made the Conference USA Academic Honor Roll.

"I'm thrilled to have Robert join our program," said men's tennis head coach George Husack. "A tenacious competitor, Robert will make an immediate impact to our singles and doubles lineup. He brings a lot of playing experience, energy and leadership to our program."

After a standout career at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma, Wash., Galbraith brings more depth to the Broncos in 2006-07. Reaching as high as third in the Pacific Northwest Section in Boys 18 and Boys 16, Galbraith played #1 singles and helped Bellarmine go undefeated in league play for three straight seasons before winning the district and state championships in his senior year. His coach in high school was Dick Snyder, the father of former Bronco tennis player Jeff Snyder `96.

"Joe will add a great of energy to our squad," said Husack. "He has performed well in doubles as a junior as had made great strides in singles as well. His love for the game will be invaluable to the team next year."

Galbraith comes from a long line of successful tennis players, as his father John and uncle Pat were both top collegiate players. His father played at Santa Clara in 1974 and 1975 as the number one singles and doubles player, finishing runner-up in the West Coast Conference tournament in 1975. His uncle Pat was the Pac-10 singles champion and NCAA doubles champion at UCLA, before embarking on a professional career that saw him capture two U.S. Open Mixed doubles titles and a #1 doubles ranking on the ATP tour in 1995. His aunt, mother and another uncle also attended Santa Clara.

"We have been fortunate to bring in a very strong class of players this year," said Husack. "When combined with our returning players, this recruiting class will make our squad very strong and extremely deep. I look forward to watching this exciting team develop this season and beyond."